UP launches crackdown on illegal coaching centres after Lucknow fire tragedy

The Uttar Pradesh government has launched a statewide campaign against illegal coaching institutes and ordered comprehensive safety audits of registered centres. It comes a day after a devastating fire in Lucknow claimed 15 lives, including several students. In a statement issued on June 23, Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay said all District Magistrates have been directed to conduct surveys of coaching institutes operating in their districts and prepare detailed lists of such establishments. Authorities will take strict action against institutions functioning without registration under the Uttar Pradesh Coaching Regulation Act, 2002.

Along with this, the government has also ordered inspections of registered coaching institutes to verify compliance with safety standards. The audits will cover building infrastructure, fire-fighting arrangements, electrical systems, emergency preparedness, and other essential safety measures.

"Student safety and quality education are non-negotiable," Upadhyay said, adding that any negligence or violation of prescribed norms would invite strict action.

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Higher Education Minister Upadhyay said, "The Yogi government is continuously working to ensure discipline, transparency, and accountability in the education system. The interests of students and parents are paramount. Coordination with all relevant departments will ensure that every coaching institute operating in the state adheres to the prescribed standards."

The Higher Education Department has also issued instructions to district administrations to regularly inspect student safety measures, infrastructure, and administrative arrangements at coaching institutes. A letter issued by Special Secretary Nidhi Srivastava directs officials to identify unregistered institutions and ensure effective enforcement of the law.

Fire tragedy

The government's action comes in the wake of a major fire that broke out in a three-storey commercial building in Lucknow's Aliganj area on June 22. The blaze, which erupted around 3 pm, killed 15 people and injured seven others. Most of the victims were students attending classes at an animation training centre operating on the second floor of the building.

Eyewitnesses reported that several people jumped from the building in a desperate attempt to escape the flames. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.

Following the tragedy, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath cut short an official visit to Aligarh and returned to Lucknow. He inspected the site of the incident, reviewed rescue and relief operations. He later visited injured victims undergoing treatment at King George's Medical University (KGMU).

The chief minister announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 5 lakh each for the families of those who died and Rs 50,000 for the injured. He also assured affected families that those found responsible for any lapses would face strict action.

The latest crackdown on coaching institutes is being seen as part of the state's broader effort to prevent similar incidents and ensure that educational institutions operating across Uttar Pradesh comply with safety and regulatory requirements.

The government said its priority is to create a safe, organised, and reliable learning environment for students preparing for higher education and competitive examinations.